Use your head, wear a helmet

By Paul Dunlop
CHILDREN riding bikes to school have been urged to use their heads and wear a helmet.
Police, parents and teachers are encouraging students to make sure young cyclists are “seen and safe”.
Many children riding to and from schools in Pakenham have to cross the increasingly busy Princes Highway, making safety a big concern.
Pakenham Police school youth resource officers Helen Marsham and Sharon Patterson have been visiting schools to emphasise to children the importance of keeping their bikes in good condition and encouraging them to ride safely on roads.
They have also checked and evaluated students’ helmets to see whether they complied with regulations or if helmets had to be replaced.
Pakenham Consolidated School assistant principal Gene Carlomagno said safety had been a recent learning focus at the school.
“Sharon Patterson and Helen Marsham with the assistance of teachers ran a bike education program with the senior school students which was extremely popular,” Mr Carlomagno said.
“Bicycle safety is a concern for many parents in the school community with the number of students travelling to school on bicycles growing.
“A good understanding of road rules, safe bicycles and the wearing of helmets in good condition becomes of paramount importance.”
Mr Carlomagno said officials from Pakenham’s State Emergency Service and Country Fire Authority had also addressed students about safety.
“The State Emergency Service introduced students to personal safety, the CFA helped develop an understanding of home evacuation plans and police were invited to work with the students on other areas of safety,” Mr Carlomagno said.